Tuesday, October 7, 2008

you are my sunshine...

Firstly...

I want to say a super big thank you to all of those caring souls who sent me beautiful messages of condolences. Thanks for your love, hugs, support and prayers. Losing mum has left a huge void in my life, but I am gaining a wonderful strength from those around me. Thank you!

These little guys are like beaming balls of sunshine. You could make a bunch of them and string them together as a garland to decorate a child's room or a baby's pram... even make them into a mobile for above the cot. If you think of other ideas, please add a comment to this post - and share your inspiration with us all.

I originally made them as platelets... as a part of a novelty gift for my mum. Platelets are responsible for helping your blood to clot. Microscopically they look like little plates (thus the name platelets) and they have thorny tentacle-like protrusions which help them to mesh together nicely when clotting is required. I like to think that they also have shiny eyes and a fabulous big smile... but this is yet to be scientifically proven.

The pattern is very simple. It is worked as two separate pieces, front and back, which are then stitched together.

As always, if you find any errors... please let me know.

I have used a bulky yarn, and a 4.0mm hook

front:

start with a magic adjustable ring

round 1 - ch1, 8 sc... tighten ring, then join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc

round 2 - ch1, work 2 sc into each stitch (16 sc in total) ... join with a slip stitch to the top of the first sc

round 3 - making the 'tentacles'

tentacle 1 - ch6, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 2 - ch4, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 3 - ch5, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 4 - ch 7, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 5 - ch 5, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 6 - ch 5, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 7 - ch 7, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

tentacle 8 - ch 4, slip stitch into 2nd chain from hook, slip stitch into each of the other chains, 2 sc

join round with a slip stitch... fasten off, leaving a long tail to use for seaming

back:

work as the front BUT make each of the tentacles one chain longer

finish:

add beads for the eyes and use red wool to embroider the mouth... I like to use the reverse side of my work as the 'right side' but you can place them either way

place front and back together with wrong sides facing, and tentacles alternating... use tails of yarn to stitch together

confused??? want to see progress photos???

make your ring

insert hook, pick up yarn

and pull loop through to front

yarn over hook

pull through loop... ch1 completed

work the 8sc into the ring

hold starting tail

and gently pull to tighten ring

until the hole disappears... join round with a slip stitch

work the 2nd round

make the chain for the tentacle

slip stitch your way back to the body

work 2 sc

chain the next tentacle

slip stitch back

2 sc

I know you're getting the hang of it now...

it will end up looking like this

sew on the eyes

and the mouth... I like to follow the 'curve' of the crochet rounds for shape

The Face Behind the Goldfish.

Hello... I'm Sharon

I’m an Aussie mum of four, with more ideas dancing around in my head than I will ever be able to bring to life…

I love all things quirky and unexpected. Throw in some experimenting and recycling, bend a few rules… and I’m in heaven!

To keep me on my toes, I run a Monthly Challenge. One month is knitting, the next month is crochet, and then we have a random challenge. During that month, I offer a free pattern to all participants, who make the project and share their finished photos. At the end of the month, I choose a WINNER… and then THEY tell ME what to design for the next Challenge!!! How cool is that???

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